U-16 Germany Pushes Past U-17 USWNT in First Tour Game

COLOGNE, Germany - April 19, 2019 - The U.S. U-17 Women's National Team played their first of three matches yesterday against Germany's U-16 team at the Rot-Weiss Koln Tennis and Hockey Club in Cologne, Germany. The final result belonged to the hosts, 0-5, but despite the scoreline it was a 60-minute battle with most of the stats remaining even between the two teams.

Eager to hit the pitch, USA came out firing putting Germany under heavy pressure from the starting whistle. The red, white and blue created a number of early attacking opportunities, including their only penalty corner of the game, but came away empty. Germany responded with a number of counter attacks, eventually scoring on a scrappy rebound in front of the net. Another scuffle in front of the goal and an unfortunate bounce on a defensive penalty corner saw the USA head to the break trailing 0-3.

After a few adjustments to the press were made at halftime, USA ramped up their defensive pressure. Die Danas had a more difficult time outletting from their end and USA began creating opportunities off of turnovers.

In the team huddle at the third quarter break, U-17 USWNT Head Coach Katie Bam gave specific shoutouts to Claudia Thomas (Louisville, Ky.), Beth Yeager (Rye, N.Y.), Sophia Pendolino (Hummelstown, Pa.), Kelly Smith (Downingtown, Pa.), and Abby Tamer (Whitmore Lake, Mich.) for executing the adjustments and upping the on-field energy. USA continued to fight but unfortunately the hosts were able to score two more times to bring the final score to 0-5.

Although USA was unable to convert on their eleven total circle penetrations throughout the match, the coaching staff appreciated the application of the principles that have been taught throughout the past year’s training cycle. The consensus post-game was that the plays leading to Germany’s goals are fixable moments, and ones that will be dealt with differently in future competitions.

The team is keeping a positive outlook and instantly debriefed the game and watched video. The U.S. U-17 Women's National Team returns to action today, Friday, April 19 for their second game against Germany's U-16 team at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information U-17 USWNT Tour event page by clicking here.